What does graduation mean?
Graduation is a significant milestone in an individual's educational journey, marking the completion of a course of study or a degree program. It is typically celebrated with a ceremony or celebration, and is often seen as a rite of passage to the next stage of life. The term can also refer to the process of moving from one stage or level to another, such as graduating from high school to college or from a lower to a higher level of a program. Graduation is a widely recognized and respected achievement, and is often seen as a key indicator of an individual's academic success and potential. In many cultures, graduation is a time for celebration and reflection, as individuals look back on their accomplishments and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Overall, graduation is an important and meaningful event that marks a significant transition in an individual's life.
nounThe act of completing a course of study or a degree program, typically marked by a ceremony or celebration. Graduation can also refer to the process of moving from one stage or level to another, such as graduating from high school to college or from a lower to a higher level of a program.
- 1. The act of completing a course of study or a degree program.
- 2. The process of moving from one stage or level to another.
"She will graduate from college next spring and plans to attend law school afterwards."
"She will graduate from college next spring and plans to attend law school afterwards."
"He graduated from high school and went on to attend a top-ranked university."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of graduation
The word 'graduation' comes from the Latin 'gradus', meaning 'step' or 'degree', from 'gradior', meaning 'to step' or 'to walk'. This Latin root is also seen in other English words such as 'grade' and 'graduate'. The term 'graduation' has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to the completion of a course of study or a degree program.
Usage notes
Graduation is typically used in formal or academic contexts, and is often seen as a formal or official term. However, it can also be used in informal contexts to refer to the completion of a course of study or a degree program. In some cultures, graduation is a time for celebration and reflection, and is often marked by traditional ceremonies or rituals.